Runner-up Young Engineer award for Thomas!

Congratulations must go to Thomas Gracey, a Wallace Year 14 student, who recently competed in the Sentinus Young Innovators competition with great success! This competition was based at the University of Ulster, Jordanstown, with Thomas exhibiting his A2 Technology project, a fantastic industrial style bedside table with ‘invisible’ digital clock!

For those who consider themselves a ‘light sleeper’ you will be delighted to hear that the project designed by Thomas focused on one aspect that may contribute to this problem. He spent many months researching how both blue light and artificial light can have detrimental effects on sleep and overall health. He concluded that any artificial light present whilst sleeping can affect sleep patterns and so brilliantly he proceeded to create this unique product to assist others in getting a good night’s sleep!

Thomas’ project was very well received at the Young Innovators competition with many of the judges wishing to purchase it for a huge sum of money! He spoke to a large number of engineers and business people who quizzed him on the inspiration behind the idea and the intricate and complex circuitry it contained.

Technology teacher K Palmer commented, “The Technology Department is delighted with how Thomas has been praised for the high quality and professional finish of his work. At the prestigious conclusion ceremony, Thomas was awarded the title of ‘runner-up Young Engineer of the Year 2017’ as well as a cash prize. He was also invited to exhibit his project in the national finals in Birmingham next February. This is an excellent achievement which all started with a little bit of Technology coursework! Well done Thomas!